Rwanda’s Gorillas and chimpanzee tracking are some of the unbeatable wild experiences you can’t miss, this 10 Days Rwanda Primates & Zanzibar Beach Holiday also is an opportunity for you to explore the beautiful nature of the Zanzibar Island as you relax and learn about the native Zanzibaris.
10 Days Rwanda Primates & Zanzibar Beach Holiday itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and drive to Musanze province.
You will be picked by our professional guide at the airport and transfer to Ruhengeri / Musanze town in the North of Rwanda – home of the elegant Volcanoes National Park. The beautiful country-side views offer endless opportunities to explore unique beauty of the country of a thousand hills. You will arrive in the evening hours and check into the lodge.
Day 2: Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
You will depart very early to the park headquarters of Volcanoes National park after the morning breakfast at the lodge. You will meet a group of other guests for briefing by the park officials who will later divide you into groups of 8 which is the maximum number of people allowed to visit a gorilla family. You will then hit the jungle with great expectations of meeting these gentle giants as you walk through the rough terrain of the forest until you meet your dedicated group of gorillas.
You will be allowed to spend one full hour with them as you take pictures and learning more about their daily behavior. After this memorable time with the mountain Gorillas, you will return to the starting point to meet your driver and begin the drive southwards to Nyungwe Forest, based in Nyamasheke district where you will have a night stay awaiting another adventure with chimps the following day.
Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is known to be the home for the Chimps which are believed to share over 98% DNA with humans. The exercise begins in the morning with briefing on the guidelines for Chimpanzee tracking which is more/less like tracking mountain Gorillas. Unlike the gorillas, Chimps are livelier and always seen jumping from tree to tree playing and feeding.
You will be offered a full hour of encounter with these jolly creatures as you learn their behavior. Later return to the starting point to meet your driver and head for a community walk to meet the local people and learn their way of life as you enjoy their norms, craftwork, and traditional performances.
Day 4: Kigali to Zanzibar.
This day after your breakfast you will leave Nyungwe forest and embark on a short drive, about three hours heading to Kigali city. There will be a short city tour in Kigali (if time allows) and a lunch break as you proceed to the airport for a transfer to Zanzibar through Kenya. You will be picked on arrival in Zanzibar and transfer to the beautiful south coast.
Day 5: Explore Zanzibar’s south coast.
You will wake up at leisure this day and have your breakfast and choose on how to spend your entire day relaxed at the beautiful stretch of the entire beach reading a book. The beautiful palm trees provide a beautiful shade for you to relax as you read a book or just watching the fresh waters of the beach.
The pool is also available if you wish to swim there or still you can swim in the fresh water of the Indian Ocean.
Day 6: Snorkeling / Diving at Zanzibar Island.
After the morning breakfast you will arrange for a diving experience and you will also have a chance to sail the traditional dhow that takes you to the banks. You will also spend a few hours watching the Marine life at this Island and end your day in style.
Day 7: Visit the spice farms.
After the morning breakfast, you will head out for a visit to the spice farms on the Zanzibar Island. The Island is famously known for the spices produced here. You will have a chance to go to the small scale spice farms therein and learn how this is done daily. Return to the lodge later to have some rest.
Day 8: Jozani Forest
The day starts with a nice breakfast at the lodge before heading out for the day’s activities. You will start your day with a visit to the Jozani Forest located in the center of the Island. Jozani Forest is home to the red Kirk’s colobus monkey a unique specie common to the Island. You will have a chance to watch them playing and feeding on the Island. Return for lunch and then spend the rest of the evening relaxing our feet in the beach sand.
Day 9: Stone Town excursion.
After the morning breakfast, you will have a visit to the stone town whole day. The stone town is located on the west coast offering a rich colonial / Asian city exploration and the East African slave trade history. You will later have an opportunity to purchase a few souvenirs to depart with back home.
Day 10: Departure
After the morning breakfast at the lodge, you will be driven across the Island and be led to the airport to catchup with your final exit flight.
End of trip.
